Hifi Loudspeaker Audio System Bmw Review
What's the difference between the BMW sound system options? We compare the Harman Kardon speaker system, HiFi system and BMW replacement speakers to find out! Learn how to identify your BMW audio system-Base, Hi-Fi, or Harman Kardon-and understand speaker layouts, subwoofers, and amps. XBimmers BMW X3 Forum BMW X3/X4 Forums (2018 - 2024) BMW X3 (G01) / X4 (G02) Forum Harman Kardon vs the standard HiFi sound system.
The specs on BMW HK systems are pretty standard across the board in speaker sizes, they all have 26/100mm tweet/mid-range combo's rated at 40watts, and 217mm low-frequency drivers rated at 134watts powered by the "RAM"/"Booster Module" combination. The older i-drive 5 & 6 cars had 160 watt 217mm drivers powered directly from the HK Amp. Is there a problem with the in-car audio quality? If so, are third-party BMW speaker and amplifier upgrades a true remedy to that issue?
Yes, BMW HiFi amplifiers and speakers can often be upgraded to enhance audio performance. Upgrades may involve installing higher. Discover our test of the 2025 BMW X3's Harman Kardon audio system, with 15 drivers and 5.1-channel surround sound.
An interesting option? The BMW HK Hi-Fi system (S674A) has 12 speakers and an integrated 8-channel BMW amplifier. In other words, while the overall audio quality is respectable, it falls short of audiophile standards.
On the other hand, if you're thinking of a high-end sound system, you presumably picture the BMW Harman Kardon surround sound system (S688A). The best feature of the amp is the ability to contour the audio of all the speakers via Digital Sound Processing (programmable via laptop and free software) as well as a boost to the audio output. I added the subwoofer because the bass output of the OEM under.
It used 16 speakers powered by a 10-channel, 1400W amplifier. In this 8th Gen car, it is now simply called the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, as diamond dome tweeters are reserved for other models in the BMW range. However, it does include B&W's Continuum cone technology which is used in the midrange speakers found in each door.